Canadian researchers have found that tailoring one’s diet using genetic information improves eating habits better than following standardized diet advice. The researchers collected data on the intake of caffeine, sodium, vitamin C and sugar from 138 healthy young adults who were then divided into two groups. One group was given DNA-based dietary advice while the other group was given current standard dietary advice. Dietary habits were checked after three and 12 months. Those who received DNA-based dietary advice showed dietary improvement after three months and even more so after a year. The genetic dietary advice was provided by a University of Toronto start-up company that develops genetic test kits for personalized nutrition.
"Disclosure of Genetic Information and Change in Dietary Intake: A Randomized Controlled Trial. ", PLoS ONE, November 21, 2014
A Canadian review of clinical trials involving four commercial diet plans -- Atkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers, and Zone -- that promise not only weight loss but improved cardiovascular health found that all helped dieters lose weight in the short term. However, the trials provided little evidence that the diets worked in the long run, or that they improved heart health. Weight Watchers dieters lost an average 7.7 to 13.2 pounds after a year compared to 1.8 to 11.9 pounds with usual care. But at two years, dieters had regained a lot of the pounds. In a head to head comparison of diets, those on Atkins lost the most, an average 4.6 to 10.3 pounds. The control group lost about 4.85 pounds.
"Long-Term Effects of 4 Popular Diets on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. ", Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, November 21, 2014
U.S. researchers who compared the weight loss results of different types of diets found that a strict vegan diet worked best at cutting pounds. The study involved 50 overweight individuals over six months who were randomly assigned to vegan, semi-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, vegetarian or omnivorous diets. At the end of six months, individuals on the vegan diet lost more weight than those on a mostly plant-based diet, and those on an omnivorous diet (a mix of animal products and plant based foods) by an average of 4.3 percent, or 16.5 pounds. The researchers also found that vegan diets improved macronutrients more than other diets.
"Comparative effectiveness of plant-based diets for weight loss: A randomized controlled trial of five different diets. ", Nutrition, November 15, 2014
Dutch researchers have determined that, despite earlier observational studies, taking folic acid and vitamin B12 over long periods of time does not reduce the risk of memory loss. The study was conducted in 2,919 older patients with high levels of the amino acid homocysteine – thought to be associated with memory loss. Folic acid and vitamin B12 do lower homocysteine levels, but after two years of supplementation the researchers found no difference between the patients who took supplements and those who took a placebo in the scores on thinking and memory tests.
"Results of 2-year vitamin B treatment on cognitive performance: Secondary data from an RCT. ", Neurology, November 12, 2014
Add another eating disorder to the list: orthorexia nervosa, a condition in which people obsessed with eating healthful, “clean” food end up hurting themselves. More and more doctors and dietitians are treating people determined to cleanse their diet of meat products, gluten, dairy, sugar, etc., become obsessive compulsive, lose way too much weight and even become malnourished. Very little research has been done on the phenomenon, but researchers in Colorado recently devised a list of criteria for doctors to use to diagnose orthorexia. The criteria could also be used to expand research on the condition, which is not yet listed in the official manual of mental disorders.
"When Healthy Eating Calls For Treatment", The Wall Street Journal, November 10, 2014
Researchers in Virginia who analyzed the nutritional value of more than 750 school meals with more than 560 packed meals given to pre-K and kindergarten students in three schools over five days found that school lunches were generally more healthful for kids. School lunches were lower in fat and higher in protein, though they did tend to contain more sodium. Packed lunches were less likely to have fruits, vegetables, sugar-free juice and milk, and had more snacks such as chips and crackers. "There were some really healthy packed lunches,” one researcher said. “But overall, they were pretty unhealthy."
"School Lunches More Nutritious Than Home-Packed Lunches: Study", HealthDay , November 07, 2014
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Nutrition Journal, November 24, 2014
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